Apparatus for making molds



March 11, 1952 D. E. WOOD 2,589,179

APPARATUS FOR MAKING MOLDS Filed March 16, 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

DURRD E. WOOD lVTTOk/VE Y6 [1 EL VVCDCND APPARATUS FOR MAKING MOLDS March 11, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 16, 1949 HVVENTDR. 002190 E W000 FTTOKMEYS Patented Mar. 11, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

My present invention relates to apparatus for making molds, and while not limited thereto, to apparatus particularly constructed and arranged to make sand molds for the production of cast iron pipe, and has for an object the provision of such apparatus in which the sand used to form the molds is packed about the pattern by forcing the flask downwardly toward the pattern, thereby eliminating entirely any other form of packing of the sand, as for instance the usual hand tamping or j olting.

My invention contemplates the provision of apparatus of the character designated which will be effective to make both the cope and drag sections of the mold, and has for another object the provision of such apparatus in which an open bottom flask is placed over a pattern, filled with loose sand, and then is forced downwardly thereby to pack the sand in the flask about the pattern, together with means to strip the section of the mold thus formed by lowering the pattern.

Another object is to provide mold making apparatus comprising a table embodying plates in the nature of face or stripping plates, vertically movable pattern supporting mechanism, and a vertically movable open frame slidably mounted about the table and in effect forming an extension of the flask and disposed to support the flask in inverted position along its sides and ends, together with pressure cylinders for raising the flask extension and the flask to permit the same to be filled with loose sand preparatory to forcing the flask downwardly by other mechanism, thereby to pack the sand therein.

Another object is to provide improved mechanism for forming the pouring gates in the cope section of a sand mold which is particularly adapted for use in connection with my invention, and which is effective to form the pouring gate or gates during the packing of the mold.

A further object is to provide apparatus for making molds in which the sand in flnished molds is packed uniformly throughout the depth thereof, and in which the molds are especially smooth and densely packed around the pattern, thus providing molds of high quality.

Apparatus embodying the features of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application in which:

Fig. 1 is an isometric fragmental view of one end of my improved apparatus with the flask in lowered position thereon, the patterns being re moved;

Fig. 2 is a fragmental plan view with the flask removed;

Fig. 3 is a fragmental side elevational view partly in section with the flask and patterns in raised position ready to receive a charge of loose sand;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view partly broken away showing the flask and pattern in raised position;

Fig. 5 is a sectional View taken generally along line V-V of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a detail sectional view taken generally along line VI--VI of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a detail sectional view taken along line VIIVII of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a detail sectional view taken generally along line VIII-VIII of Fig. 2 and showing my improved mechanism for resiliently supporting a pouring gate pin;

Fig. 9 is an isometric view of a form of flask bail suitable for use in lifting the particular kind of flask which I preferably employ with my improved apparatus; and

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic view illustrating my improved apparatus in use.

Referring now to the drawings for a better understanding of my invention, the apparatus comprises a bed [0 forming the main supporting structure for the remainder of the apparatus. The bed comprises an elongated box like structure formed of longitudinally extending side channels II with the flanges thereof inturned as shown more clearly in Fig. 4. The channels II are cross braced at the ends by means of channels [2 having the flanges thereof likewise inturned, and are cross braced intermediate their ends by other cross channels [3. The channels H, l2 and 13 preferably are welded together to form an integral structure.

The bed I0 is supported at each end on rollers l4 journaled on pins l6, mounted in pairs of cross channels ll. Resting on the channels I1 and secured thereto are other cross channels 18, secured at their upper edges tothe under side of the bed l0.

Secured to the tops of the cross channels I2 and I3 is a continuously xtending centrally disposed bar I?) and continuously extending bars 2! mounted at the sides of the bed. Secured to the center bar [9 by any suitable means is a double sided pattern stripping plate 22, and secured to the bars 2! are single sided stripping plates 23. As will be understood, the plates 22 and 23 are cut out along their edges toconform to the shape of patterns 24, for instance, a pair of pipe patterns having a bell end 26, and a spigot end 21. The patterns thus fit snugly against the edges of the plates 22 and 23, but are free to move downwardly with respect thereto from the position shown in Figs. 6 and 8 to the position shown in Fig. 5. The tops of the cross channels I2 and 3 are notched out as indicated at 28, thereby to provide adequate room for lowering of the patterns in the manner and for the reasons later to be explained.

Mounted in bearings 29 secured to the sides of the channels H are a pair of cross shafts 3| and 32. Fixedly mounted on the shafts 3| and 32 are pairs of earns 33 and 34. Secured to the underside of each of the patterns 24 by means of bolts 36 are pads 37. The cams are disposedto engage the pads 37 as shown in the drawings, whereby upon rotation of the shafts 31 and 32 the patterns 24 are raised or lowered vertically.

In order that the shafts 3| and 32 may rotate precisely in unison, thereby to assure that the patterns move vertically throughout their length I provide on the shaft 3| an arm 39 having an integrally formed manually operable handle 4|. Secured to the shaft 32 is an arm 42. Pivotally connected at 43 and 44 to the arms 39 and 42 are the ends of a link 46. The link 46 carries a stop member t! disposed to engage at its end 50 against the arm 42, thereby to limit counterclockwise movement of the shafts 3| and .32 as viewed in Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings.

Slidably mounted against each sideof the bed H) are channels 48 and #8. The channels 48 and 49 are connected across the ends of the 'bed by means of cross bars 5|. The bars are secured by bolts 52 which pass through lugs 53 welded to the channels '48 and A9, and nuts 54 therefor. As best'shown in Figs. 4 and 6, the channels I are provided with aligned openings 55. Secured as by welding to the inner sides of each of the channels 4'3 and 49 is one end of a pair ofbars 51 which project through the openings 56. The bars overlap adjacent their centers as shown in Fig. 6, and have secured thereto by bolts 55 the cross head 58 f the piston rod 59 of an air cylinder or the like 6|. As shown clearly in Fig. 4, there are two sets of the bars 51 and two of the cylinders 8|. The cylinders are supported on cross members 62, in turn supported on depending brackets 63 secured to the channels [I by bolts.

From the mechanism just described itwill be apparent that when air is admitted through conduits 6 and 6.? to the cylinders 8|, the pistons 68 thereof move upwardly, thereby raising the channels 38 and 49, and the cross plates 5|. The

limits of travel of the channels 48 and 49 are adjustably determined by means of brackets 65, welded to the channels I, each of which is drilled and tapped to receive a bolt and a stud 65 The bolt 55 passes slidably through an opening in the lower flange of the channels 48 and 49 to limit upward movement of the channels, while the lower flanges of the channels strike the studs 55 to limit downward movement thereof.

Mounted on the end cross channels l2 of the bed ID are plates 89. The plates are secured by bolts H which pass through horizontally elongated slots 12 in the plates 69. Outstanding from each of the plates 59 is a boss 73. The boss is drilled to accommodate a vertically disposed pin M having an-upper tapered end 16. The pin is secured in the boss by means :of a set screw T1. The purpose of these plates and pins will be explained later in connection with the functioning of the apparatus.

nels 48 and 4-9, and the cross bars 5| and in inverted position thereon as shown. On each end of the flasks I provide an outstanding boss 83, drilled to slidably pass over the pin 14, the

tapered end 16 thereof aiding in inserting the pins in the openings when the flask is placed on the apparatus. Also, for the reason later to appear, I mount on top of the cross bar 5| semicircular ;plates 84 adapted to fit up into the semi-circular openings 8| to prevent sand from spilling out of the flask during the filling and ramming thereof. The circular plates 88 are removed after the sand has been packed in the flask thus providing an opening for cores which are placed between two flasks placed together for pouring as is well known in the art. The flasks are identical at both ends and therefore are reversible end for end on the apparatus. This construction of the flasks, together with the centering pins 7e and lugs 83, provides a unit in whichcope and drag sections may be made and eliminates having to keep track of separate kinds of flasks in the plant.

At each upper corner of the flask I provide a tapered pin'86 projecting outwardly of the ends of the flask. As shown in Fig. 9, I prefer to use a bail for lifting the flask which comprises rods-81 and'88 pivotally connected to each other as at 88, 2. clevis 98 providing the pivot point. The rods slope downwardly as indicated and are provided with vertical portions 9| and S2. The vertical portions are inturned to provide relatively' short horizontal sections '93 and 9 and on these latter sections are pivotally mounted plates 96 and 97. Inwardly projecting from the plates are pairs of socket members 98 adapted to be slipped'over the pins 55 when it is desired to remove a flask-from the bed or to place one thereon as will later be explained.

At intervals along the center pattern strip 22 I provide round openings 99, which likewise pass through the bar I9. Secured to the underside of the bar l9 beneath each of the openings 99 is an internally threaded collar l0|. Screwed into the collar and depending therefrom is a length of pipe H12, which may conveniently be closed at. its lower end by means of a cap I53. Disposed in the pipe and with its lower end abutting the cap' I03 is a coil spring I84. Contacting the upper. endof the spring HM, and slidable within the pipe I02 is a washer H15. A pouring gate pin'|0'| having the usual conical head I58 is adapted to pass through each of the openings 99 and with its lower end fitting in the washer I86. The pin is thus resiliently supported for downward movement, and maybe withdrawn by hand out of the opening 99 in the manner later to .be explained.

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 10, I will now describe the additional apparatus which I employ in using the apparatus heretofore described, .and the method of using all of the apparatus for the production of molds.

I provide a track I09 embodying rails for supporting the rollers l4, thus to translatably support the entire apparatus heretofore described. Secured to one of the channels II of the bed I6, adjacent the longitudinal center thereof is a lug IIO to which is fastened the piston rod III of a horizontally disposed fluid pressure cylinder II2. Fluid may be admitted to either end of the cylinder H2 through conduits H3 and H4 by any suitable valve arrangement, and from any suitable source, not shown.

Mounted above the track I09 is a sand hopper II 6 having the usual dump valve H1 at its bottom and operating handle H8. The valve H1 and the bottom of the hopper H8 preferably are substantially the length of the flask 18 whereby upon opening the valve II1 sand is placed in measured quantity along the length of the flask.

Straddling the track I09 is a framework comprising vertical members II9, and horizontal members I2I, together with suitable bracing members I22 and I23. Depending from the members I23 are a pair of fluid pressure cylinders I24 adapted to have fluid under pressure supplied thereto selectively through conduits I26 and I21. The piston rods I28 of the cylinders I24 carry an I beam I39 with the flanges thereof disposed horizontally.

To the left of the mechanism just described as shown in Fig. I provide an overhead track I3I carrying the usual roller mounted hook I32. The hook I32 is adapted to engage in the clevis 90 whereby the flask may be raised by engaging the sockets 98 over the pins 88.

To the left of the framework H9 and under the track I3I I provide a roller conveyor I33 on which the cope and drag sections formed by my improved apparatus may be placed for transportation to a pouring station in the manner now to be explained.

From the foregoing the method of using my improved apparatus may now be readily explained and understood. A flask 18 is inverted and placed with its top edges resting on the channels 48 and 49, and with the pins 14 passing through the openings in the lugs 83. This positions the flask correctly with respect to the patterns 24, which as will be understood, are placed in the apparatus, and are held in raised positions through the medium of the cams 33 and 34 as determined by the position of the manually operated handle 4 I. Air or other fluid under pressure is admitted to the cylinders 6i through the conduits 66 and 61. It will be understood that flexible hose is used for connecting the conduits 66 and. 61 to the control valves or to a source of supply of fluid under pressure. With a flask thus positioned, the cylinder H2 is actuated to position the open bottom of the flask 18 directly under the valve I I1 of the sand hopper II6. By moving the lever II8 the flask is filled with loose sand while in raised position with respect to the patterns, it being remembered that the efiect of admitting air to the cylinders BI is to move the side channels 48 and 4-9, and consequently the flask upwardly. After sufficient sand to fill the flask and space created by raising the channels 48 and 49 is delivered thereinto, fluid is admitted through the conduit II4 of cylinder II2, whereby the entire bed is pushed along the track and positioned beneath the beam I39 carried by the air cylinders I24. Pressure is now admitted through the conduit I26, and simultaneously released from the cylinders 6|, thereby forcing the beam I39 into contact with the bottom of the flask 18. It will be noted that the beam I 39 is of such size as to completely cover the open bottom of the flask. It will be apparent therefore that the beam I39, in pressing downwardly on the flask 18 confines the sand at the bottom of the flask. The sand is effectively confined otherwise by the upper inner edges of the channels 48 and 49, the cross bars 51, and the circular plates 84 carried thereby. The sand is thus packed or rammed in the flask about the patterns 24, the downward movement of the side channels 48 and 49 and consequently the flask being limited by means of the studs 65 previously described. At this point the handle M is moved to cause the cams 33 and 34 to rotate thus permitting the pads 31 and the patterns to be lowered from contact with the mold.

After the lower flanges of the channels 48 and 49 have contacted the studs, thus indicating that the flask is fully rammed, pressure is admitted to conduit I21, raising the pistons of the cylinders I24 and consequently the beam I39. Pressure is again admitted to the conduit II4 of the cylinder II2, moving the entire roller mounted bed leftward from beneath the cylinders I24, and thence under the overhead beam I3I. The bail is now engaged with its socket members 98 over the pins 86, and the flask is lifted from the apparatus and placed on the conveyor I33. If the flask is to be turned upright, the pivotal mounting of the plates 96 carrying the sockets permits a workman to readily accomplish this.

It is to be noted that in making a cope section of the mold, the pouring gate pins I01, resting on the springs I04 are forced downwardly by the beam I39 during the ramming of the sand. Consequently, when the beam is again raised, the springs I04 move their associated pins upwardly whereby a workman may readily remove the pins I01 by hand. It will be appreciated that the spring in association with the pin permits the same to move downwardly with the flask without interfering in any way with the ramming of the sand in the flask.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that I have devised an improved apparatus for making molds which is efiective to pack the sand therein without the necessity of hand or jar ramming the same. Raising the channels 48 and 49 and the plates 5| above the level of the stripper plates in effect provides an extension for the inverted flask, providing a space sufficient to accommodate the required amount of loose sand for forming a tightly packed mold. It is to be noted particularly that the edges of the sides of the flask at all times are in contact with the top flanges of the channels 48 and 49 during the filling of the flask with sand, whereby no sand gets between these members. Further, it is to be noted that the wear due to raising and lowering the channels 48 and 49 and the end bars 5| is negligible as I have found in actual practice that a movement of approximately only one and one quarter inches is necessary to pack the sand to the degree required when making the usual small sizes of soil pipe and the like. The slots 12 in the plates 69 permit of lateral adjustment of the pins 16, thus to accurately position the flask with respect to the remainder of the apparatus.

art-that other forms :of motive ipowerfl'may be provided. For jinstancc, .in some installations it would be preferable to employ a fluid orfair motor to. drive one or more :of theyrollers |4 along the track I09, and in others it would 'be more desirable to-provide an electric motor for this purpose. It'is also to be noted'that with my improvedarrangement the'empty flasks may be returned to a point-adjacent the roller conveyor 133,,there tobe:picked up by means of the bail, and placed on the apparatus prior to returning the same under the'sand hopper H6. I have found that my improved apparatus lends itself admirably to the mass production of pipe, and it will be apparent that through its use large plant areas may be saved for other purposes.

While I haveshown my invention in but one form, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible of various changes and modifications, without departing from the spirit thereof, and I desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereupon 'as are specifically set forth in the appended claim.

What I claim is: V v

In apparatus for making sand molds in open bottom flasks,a pattern table embodying a bed formed of sideand end plates secured together, a pattern strippingplateon the top of said'bed, means mounted'in said plates and supporting a pattern for vertical movement relative to the stripping plate, a secondary tframe formed of plates slidably surrounding.and-contacting the sides and ends of said bedand "disposed to 'support the'flask in inverted position'relative to the top of said table and pattern, 'a :pair of vertically disposed fluid pressure "cylinders embodying pistons and piston rodssupported from the side plates and disposed beneath the bed,

there being aligned pairs of openings in the side plates forming the bed, inwardly extending members. secured to the side plates of said secondary frame and passing through said openings, means to secure said inwardly extending members to the piston rodsof their associated pressure cylinders, means to admit fluid under pressure concomitantly to the cylinders thereby to raise the secondary frame with its upper edges projecting above the top of the stripping plate, means to fill the flask and projecting portion of the secondary frame with loose sand, a temporary closure for the bottom of the flask, and means operatively connected with said closure for forcing the secondary frame and the flask downwardly into mold forming relation with the pattern thereby to pack the sand.

DURRO E. WOOD.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 195,786 Akin Oct. 2, 1877 346,382 Moore July 27, 1886 360,119 Stevens Mar. 29, 1887 976,833 Conceray Nov. 22, 1910 1,006,449 Duncan Oct. 17, 1 911 1,095,356 Riel et'al May 5, 1914 1,544,063 King June 30, 1925 1,905,490 Norrick Apr. 25, 1933 1,962,734 Dupre June 12,1934

2,155,800 Perazo Apr. 25, 1939 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 609,676 Great Britain Oct. 5, 1948 

